Heartbreak Hill or bust for some spectators

(John Blanding/ Globe Staff)

Cat Beck (left) and Ana Hoyos (center) screamed for runners near the top of Heartbreak Hill.

By Peter Schworm, Globe Staff

NEWTON -- For hardcore marathon fans, Heartbreak Hill is the only place to watch.

Spectators camped out here today on the edge of Commonwealth Avenue with tents, beach chairs, coolers, and grills in what has become an annual ritual. They clap, cheer, and ring cow bells just past the race's 20-mile mark, inspired by runners fighting through exhaustion and breaking through the wall.

"It's awe-inspiring," said Ken Bresler, a 50-year-old from Newton watching the race with his daughter. "It sends chills up my spine."

Other spectators took a sense of pride, and duty, in their heartfelt cheering.

"We're right here, every Boston," said Donna Murray as she watched her three young children play in a grassy island next to the course. "You have to."

College students, who turned out in force for the race, saw the race more as an excuse for a day-long outdoor party. One group of Boston College students wore T-shirts that read "You Run, I'll Drink" and said the race was a perfect backdrop for some bacchanalia.

"Heartbreak’s the place to be," said Tim McLaughlin, a 19-year-old freshman from Long Island.

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